Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged on Sunday that he is no longer the player he was in his prime, but insisted he remains unfazed by years of criticism, accusing detractors of "trying to kill me for the past 23 years" ahead of Portugal's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Spain.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain struck a confident, reflective and light-hearted tone during a press conference on the eve of what will be his final World Cup appearance. Speaking before the knockout encounter at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the legendary forward declined to reveal when he plans to retire from international football.
Responding to repeated questions about his future and the criticism he has faced in recent years, Ronaldo admitted, "I am not the player I used to be".
At the same time, he maintained that his performances remain strong.
"I am not doing too bad," he said, noting that he has already scored three goals at the tournament in North America — two in Portugal's 5-0 group-stage victory over Uzbekistan and another from the penalty spot in the 2-1 win over Croatia in the Round of 32.
Displaying his trademark confidence as he addressed questions about his future and the intense scrutiny surrounding his career, Ronaldo told reporters: "It's been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change.
"I always put body and soul trying to get our goals -- playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play.
"As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose, you always ask the same question.
"I don't want to draw attention to this because it is less important."
Ronaldo described the ongoing World Cup as the one he has enjoyed the most, saying the tournament's "emotions" both on and off the field had made it especially memorable.
When the subject of retirement surfaced once more, the veteran forward responded sharply.
"You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it's a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try.
"I am so used to this," said the veteran, who is the leading scorer in the history of international football.
The Portugal skipper received applause as he left the press conference and stressed that his legacy would not depend on lifting the World Cup trophy.
"I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup."
Reflecting on his career and the perspective that comes with age, he added: "Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be,"
"I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40... the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this."
In one light-hearted moment, Ronaldo singled out a journalist whom he claimed had never been a supporter of his and encouraged him to ask a question.
"To speak to you, some of you, those who do not like us especially -- I remember people's faces very well," he said grinning.
"Listen, I am going to be honest: whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience -- not 100 percent but 1,000 percent because in life and football I gave everything."
Turning his attention to Portugal's upcoming meeting with Spain, where he spent much of his club career with Real Madrid, Ronaldo admitted his side would enter the contest as underdogs.
"It's going to be a very hard battle," he said.
"We need a lot of faith, we need to run and we need to be brave."
